How to import csv files with schema

Question

I am looking for a way to import csv files with schma (.ini file). I want import the csv into a datatable. I don't want to use excel interop, because of known issues in running it on windows services.

Is there a way to do so in another tool or technology such as OpenXML?

I've already tested Aspose's and Syncfusion's tools - and it seems they can't offer a solution here. Would appreciate any help.

Duplicate: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/217902/reading-writing-an-ini-file ? — Pragmateek, Jun 23 '13 at 15:58
i am not looking for a way to read ini files. this is not a duplicate.I am looking for a way to export csv files with schema to datatable — omer schleifer, Jun 23 '13 at 18:10
OK, because in your question you ask how to "*import csv files with schma (.ini file)*" and don't speak of DataTable. So please fix to ease further research. :) — Pragmateek, Jun 23 '13 at 18:47

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Jun 23 '13 at 15:58

You can do this with an ODBC connection, which treats the text file as a database. Just make sure the .ini file is in the same location as the text-file.

Recording a macro in Excel from the following steps will give you some base code to work with.

Data > Import External Data > New Database Query
1. Select In Create New Data Source,
2. choose a name
3. select the driver - Microsoft Text Driver (*.txt, *.csv)
4. click Connect and in ODBC Text Setup select the folder containing the csv file
5. select a default table - the csv file (optional)

A similar process can be coded in C# without using Interop. It just uses a database connection, probably OleDbConnection.

How to import csv files with schema

1 Answers1